Anchoring Zones

Fažana Anchorage has 2 distinct anchoring zones.

Zone 1: Main bay N of ferry pier

Depth: 4–9m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: NE, E, SE, S
Exposed to: N, NW, W
Alarm radius: 85m

Anchor N or NW of the Fažana ferry pier in 4–8m on sand and mud. Good holding — the gentle slope and clean sandy bottom allow solid anchor set. Brijuni islands provide a natural windbreak from SW–SE. Exposed to N and NW (direct Bura approach from Velebit). The ferry to Brijuni NP departs from the pier — avoid the ferry approach lane.

Zone 2: SE of pier — shallow approach

Depth: 2–5m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Good holding
Protected from: N, NE, E
Exposed to: S, SW, W
Alarm radius: 60m

Shallow SE position for shoal-draft vessels. Clean sand in 2–4m. Take care of underwater rock ledges on the S approach — use HHI chart and lead line. Good for dinghies and shallow-draft multihulls. Open to SW swell from the open Istrian coast.

Setting Your Anchor

Bottom at Fažana Anchorage: primarily sand and mud. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (63m at 9m). In the Kvarner, always set extra scope for potential Bura.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius. 85m in the main bay position on sand/mud at 4–8m. The Brijuni island group provides some shelter from SW but the NW quarter is open. Kvarner Bura funnels down the Velebit coast and can arrive here rapidly — if Bura is forecast above F5, seek marina in Pula (7nm). Ferry traffic: maintain 100m clearance from ferry lane throughout stay.

May–June and September–October are ideal. July–August busy with Brijuni tourists but the anchorage handles it. Avoid winter: Bura exposure makes this a dangerous anchorage; Pula marina is the correct choice.

Navigation Hazards

BURA: Fažana is directly exposed to Kvarner Bura funnelling down the Istrian coast; gusts to 50+ kt possible; depart for Pula marina if Bura forecast
Ferry traffic to Brijuni: multiple daily crossings — keep clear of ferry lane at all times, especially at night
Shallow SE approach — rock ledges; use HHI chart for approach bearing
NW exposure — Mistral from NW can build to F5–6 by afternoon in high summer; ensure anchor well set
No entry to Brijuni NP: maritime police patrol the park boundary; do not attempt private entry

Rules & Regulations

Permit: No special permit
Anchoring fee: Free to anchor; Fažana harbour authority may collect a small fee for dinghy landing
Restrictions: BRIJUNI NP: No private vessels in NP waters — strictly enforced by park authority and maritime police. Ferry-only access. 150m beach exclusion applies Jun 15–Sep 15. Keep clear of ferry approach lane at all times. Croatian eNautička permit required.
Croatian eNautička (MMPI) permit required for all foreign yachts.
SSVO 2025: 150m beach exclusion zone Jun 15–Sep 15.

Facilities

Fresh water: Available
Fuel: Not available — nearest: Fažana (0.2nm)
Restaurant/Konoba: Several konoba and restaurants in Fažana village 300m from landing pontoon. Good Istrian cuisine — try the grilled fish and white Malvazija wine.
Provisions: Available nearby

Skipper's Tips

Buy Brijuni ferry tickets in advance in summer — tours are popular and can be sold out; ferries run several times daily
The Brijuni tour includes the Safari Park (Tito kept exotic animals there — descendants still roam), Roman ruins (1st century BC), and museum
Fažana harbour master is helpful and can advise on current conditions and mooring space at the pier
Provision here before heading to more remote outer Kvarner islands — good supermarket in the village
Arrive in the morning for the calmer conditions before the Mistral builds in the afternoon

Fažana Anchorage Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference